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SMC's David Nwaba reflects upon his career playing basketball with the Corsairs. Nwaba received a full athletic scholarship to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo starting Fall 2013 after playing only one year of basketball at SMC.

SMC Basketball Sensation David Nwaba To Play For Cal Poly

SMC guard David Nwaba makes a dunk off of a fast break to put the Corsairs within seven at 58-51 during the second half against LA Valley at home Saturday afternoon.

Photo by Roger Morante

SMC forward David Nwaba gets around Glendale's Mike Johnson at home Saturday afternoon. Nwaba is ranked third for most points scored in the Western State Conference with a total of 376 points.

Photo by Roger Morante

SMC guard David Nwaba takes a shot against the Bakersfield defense at home Saturday afternoon.

Photo by Roger Morante

SMC's forward David Nwaba goes up for a shot in the second quarter against the Tartars at home Saturday afternoon. Nwaba had 28 points in the game.

Photo by Roger Morante

Santa Monica College forward David Nwaba fights off a grip of Pasadena City College defenders during the second quarter at home Friday, Nov. 30.

Photo by Roger Morante

Corsairs forward David Nwaba powers through the defense of LA Harbor to make the game winning basket at home Thursday night.

Nwaba Nabs Full Athletic Scholarship To Play In Big West Conference

Posted May. 15, 2013, 7:12 pm

Roger Morante / Sports Editor

Corsairs basketball sensation David Nwaba, a 6-4 forward, will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on a full athletic scholarship after signing a letter of intent to play on the Mustangs basketball program earlier this month.

Santa Monica College basketball head coach Jerome Jenkins believes that the Big West is where Nwaba belongs and that his presence will be felt as soon as he steps onto the court.

"I
think he is an unbelievable athlete and that Cal Poly got a great
steal," said Jenkins. "I think he will be a big impact in the Big West
and I am just happy for him. He's just another young man moving on from
the Santa Monica program to the four year level."

Nwaba had previously been named as the Western State South basketball MVP, first team all-conference, and first team all-state in February after leading the Corsairs to a respected second place conference finish and a 15-9 overall record for the 2012-2013 community college basketball season.

Nwaba said that everybody on the Corsairs basketball team played their roles and had a great season despite not making the playoffs.

"I think I put up the numbers in comparison to other people in the conference but I just played my part and did what the coach wanted me to do," said Nwaba. "And although it took a while, we still built up our chemistry and played as a team. So it was a good season."

Jenkins said that Nwaba earned his scholarship and deserved to go to Cal Poly even though he only played one year of basketball with the Corsairs.

"He garnished all the accolades he could get," said Jenkins. "So we are very pleased at his overall success."

In 22 games with the Corsairs, Nwaba netted an average of 20.5 points per game with 8.8 rebounds shooting 55.3% from the field.

Jenkins credits Nwaba for the Corsairs successful basketball season.

"Seeing that we had an all freshman team, I think David was a big key to our success," said Jenkins.

Nwaba said that he knew he was going to lead the Corsairs coming into the 2012-2013 basketball season.

"We were a young team to be sure but I knew I had more experience then everyone," said Nwaba. "Having one year as a redshirt freshman added a little bit of experience over everyone."

Nwaba initially signed with Hawaii Pacific but his athletic clock didn't start due to his redshirt status and he didn't begin playing college basketball until he came and
joined the Corsairs for the 2012-2013 basketball season.

Nwaba said that he chose to play with the Corsairs even though he could have played for other local schools in the area.

"I
was actually considering other places but I thought that there was no
point in leaving home," said Nwaba. "And Jenkins has good looks from
colleges and knows coaches so that's why I chose to stay."

Jenkins met Nwaba at a tournament in Long Beach while Nwaba was sitting in the stands waiting to play in an All-Star game after playing four seasons with University High School in Los Angeles.

"I saw him at an All-Star game in Long Beach and walked up and introduced myself," said Jenkins. "He was there to be recruited. Obviously I didn't get him right away but we got him a year later."

Now that Nwaba is leaving to go play in the Big West Conference, Jenkins said that he cherished the time he has had to coach Nwaba.

"He has been a pleasant young man to coach," said Jenkins. "He never gave me any problems."

Nwaba said that he enjoyed his time at Santa Monica College but thinks that it is time for him to move on with the next phase of his life.

"SMC
was a good experience for me," said Nwaba. "It was close to home and
where I met all my teammates and friends, but this is just the first
step added onto the next level. It was a good stop and I am happy to
experience this and be a Corsair."